Election Commission warns Railways against giving special concessions for special trains in Bihar

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission today warned the Railway Ministry against giving special concessions for special trains being run to and from poll-bound Bihar till the model code of conduct is in force.

The Commission, responding to complaints made by a clutch of Opposition leaders that BJP is using state machinery to seek political gains in Bihar, asked the Chairman Railway Board to ensure that "no special concessions be allowed" for any special train "leaving from any station in Bihar or coming to any station in Bihar from outside the state without prior permission" of the poll watchdog.

It said the permission be sought till the period of the model code from September 9 to November 12.

It also sought details of the movement of special trains "even after" the enforcement of the model code. It also sought to know why no special permission was taken regarding such movement even after the model code came into force at 2.30 PM on September 9 when EC announced the Bihar poll schedule.

The Congress-RJD-JD(U) combine on Monday complained to the Election Commission about the Centre's "illegal use" of government machinery and loss to exchequer on account of unwarranted favour to BJP party workers by deploying special trains through Railway Ministry to ferry them.

The grand alliance alleged that the train named Vikas Express was used for purpose of granting training to party workers in several BJP-ruled states which is in direct violation of the Model Code of Conduct which came into force in Bihar.

The representatives of the three political parties at a special joint press briefing at AICC headquarters alleged railways allowed 60 per cent concessions to passengers travelling by these special trains, which caused losses to the national exchequer.